Protective secondary enclosure apparatus with modular face protective options for handheld devices

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with modular face protective options for use with a mobile phone, iPhone, smart device, personal handheld unit, or the like. The protective secondary enclosure apparatus provides environmental protection from scratches, bumps, and the like. The modularity of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus enables different levels of environmental protection and different designs to enhance the fashion appeal of the device being protected.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/112,632 filed Nov. 7, 2008. The content of this prior patent application is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumer electronic devices exist such as mobile phones, iPhones, smart devices, and personal handheld units. These consumer electronic devices are provided with a primary enclosure to protect electronic components.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with modular face protective options for use with handheld devices such as a mobile phone, iPhone, smart device, or personal handheld unit. The apparatus provides environmental protection from scratches, bumps, and the like. The modularity of the apparatus enables different levels of environmental protection and different designs to enhance the fashion appeal of the device being protected.

The required elements of the apparatus include an enclosure base and a bezel ring surrounding the top surface of the enclosure base. The enclosure base may be made of plastic, wood, metal, silicone, non-woven cloth, or the like. The bezel ring may be made of plastic, metal, wood, silicone, santoprene, rubber, or the like.

The enclosure base and bezel ring are available in different designs. Due to the modularity of the protective secondary enclosure, the different designs are interchangeable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of a method of inserting a handheld device into an enclosure base.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a method of inserting a handheld device into an enclosure base.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a handheld device.

FIG. 5 shows a folding flap for a modular face protective option.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a handheld device.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with an installed handheld device.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a lens which forms a folding flap in conjunction with a hinge attached to a bezel ring.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens which forms a folding flap in conjunction with a hinge attached to a bezel ring.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a lens which is integrated with a bezel ring.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens which is integrated with a bezel ring.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a removable lens which may be removed or held in place with a bezel ring.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a removable lens which may be removed or held in place with a bezel ring.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a removable lens which may be removed or held in place with a slotted bezel ring.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a removable lens which may be removed or held in place with a slotted bezel ring.

FIG. 15 shows modular configurations where the functional and aesthetic features may be changed.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a 2-section base.

FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a 2-section base.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section side view of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands protecting a handheld device.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-section side view of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands not protecting a handheld device.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-section side view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a 2-section base.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section front view with of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands shortly after being removed from the face of the handheld device.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section front view with of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands after being moved to the side of the handheld device.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-section front view with of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands after being moved under the handheld device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Primary enclosures are provided with handheld devices such as mobile phones, iPhones, smart devices, and personal handheld units. The enclosures provide some environmental protection for the devices.

In many cases, additional environmental protection is desirable for a handheld device. A secondary enclosure may provide the additional protection. However, all the protective features of the secondary enclosure may not be necessary or desirable. Furthermore, the secondary enclosure may detract from the aesthetic appeal of the handheld device in its primary enclosure.

The present disclosure details a secondary enclosure apparatus for handheld devices which is modular in nature. The modularity of the apparatus enables the handheld device user to choose which protective features to retain.

An unexpected benefit is that the modularity of the apparatus gives the handheld device user many aesthetic feature choices. Various combinations of the enclosure base, bezel ring, and lens may be used to create a customized look for the handheld device user.

The required elements of the apparatus include an enclosure base and a bezel ring surrounding the top surface of the enclosure base. The enclosure base may be made of plastic, wood, metal, silicone, non-woven cloth, or the like. The enclosure base holds the handheld device. The enclosure base may either be made of one piece or two pieces designed to fit together.

The bezel ring may be made of plastic, metal, wood, silicone, santoprene, rubber, or the like. For the purposes of this disclosure, a bezel ring is defined as a grooved ring which is attached to the top edge of the enclosure base. The bezel ring may be used to hold a lens in place. The bezel ring also serves to hold the handheld device in place once it is seated in the enclosure base.

Additional embodiments of the system may incorporate optional element(s). One possible embodiment includes a lens which protects the face of the handheld device. The lens may be integrated with the bezel ring, form a folding flap in conjunction with a hinge attached to the bezel ring, be removable and held in place with a slotted bezel ring, or be a removable lens with integrated flexible bands. The lens may be made of clear plastic, Lexan™, glass, or the like. The lens may have cut-outs to enable the use of a microphone, speaker, and the like.

Another optional element is a strap lanyard. The strap lanyard enables the handheld device to be held around the wrist or a similar hands-free method. The strap lanyard further enables the handheld device to be tied to an object. The strap lanyard may be made of rope, nylon, rubber, or the like.

Another optional element is a belt clip. The belt clip enables the handheld device to be attached to a belt worn on a person. The belt clip further enables the handheld device to be clipped onto an object. The belt clip may be made of plastic, metal, or the like.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus. An enclosure base 101 attaches to a bezel ring 102. An optional strap lanyard 103 may be attached to the enclosure base.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of a method of inserting a handheld device 201 into an enclosure base 101. The handheld device 201 fits into a die-lock section 202 of the enclosure base 101, enabling the handheld device 201 to snap into place and be held with the force of the die-lock section 202. The die-lock section 202 exists because the lip of the enclosure base 101 is slightly smaller than the handheld device 201, or may be created using a separate liner or insert, creating a compression fit.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a method of inserting a handheld device 201 into an enclosure base 101. The handheld device 201 snaps into place and is held with the force of the die-lock section 202. The die-lock section 202 exists because the lip of the enclosure base 101 is slightly smaller than the handheld device 201, creating a compression fit.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a handheld device 201. An enclosure base 101 contains a handheld device 201. A bezel ring 102 is being lowered onto the enclosure base 101, where it will be snapped into place.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a handheld device 201. The handheld device 201 sits in a die-lock section of the enclosure base 101. A bezel ring 102 is snapped in place and provides additional force to keep the handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a protective secondary enclosure apparatus with an installed handheld device 201. An enclosure base 101 and bezel ring 102 are shown with the installed handheld device 201.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a lens 701 which forms a folding flap in conjunction with a hinge 702 attached to or integrated with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens 701 which forms a folding flap in conjunction with a hinge 702 attached to or integrated with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a lens which is integrated with a bezel ring 901. The lens which is integrated with a bezel ring 901 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device in place.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a lens which is integrated with a bezel ring 901. The lens which is integrated with a bezel ring 901 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a removable lens 1101 which may be removed or held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a removable lens 1101 which may be removed or held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a removable lens 1101 which may be removed or held in place with a slotted bezel ring 1301. The slotted bezel ring 1301 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a removable lens 1101 which may be removed or held in place with a slotted bezel ring 1301. The slotted bezel ring 1301 is designed to snap onto an enclosure base 101 to keep a handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 15 shows modular configurations where the functional and/or aesthetic features may be changed. Examples of functional or aesthetic features are material, color, style, function, and the like.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a 2-section base. The 2-section base has a top base section 1601 and a bottom base section 1602. The top base section 1601 slides over the top of the handheld device 201 while the bottom base section 1602 slides over the bottom of the handheld device 201. A bezel ring 102 snaps onto the combined 2-section base to hold the handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 17 shows an isometric view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a 2-section base. The 2-section base has a top base section 1601 and a bottom base section 1602. The top base section 1601 slides over the top of the handheld device 201 while the bottom base section 1602 slides over the bottom of the handheld device 201. A bezel ring 102 snaps onto the combined 2-section base to hold the handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section side view of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands protecting a handheld device. A handheld device 201 rests in a base 101 and is held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 has two flexible bands 1801 attached which are integrated with a removable lens 1802. The removable lens 1802 with integrated flexible bands 1801 is shown protecting the handheld device 201.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-section side view of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands not protecting a handheld device. A handheld device 201 rests in a base 101 and is held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 has two flexible bands 1801 attached which are integrated with a removable lens 1802. The removable lens 1802 with integrated flexible bands 1801 is shown not protecting the handheld device 201.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-section side view of the protective secondary enclosure apparatus with a 2-section base. The 2-section base has a top base section 1601 and a bottom base section 1602. The top base section 1601 slides over the top of the handheld device 201 while the bottom base section 1602 slides over the bottom of the handheld device 201. A bezel ring 102 snaps onto the combined 2-section base to hold the handheld device 201 in place.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section front view with of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands shortly after being removed from the face of the handheld device. A handheld device 201 rests in a base 101 and is held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 has two flexible bands 1801 attached which are integrated with a removable lens 1802. FIG. 21 shows the removable lens 1802 shortly after being removed from the face of the handheld device 201.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section front view with of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands after being moved to the side of the handheld device. A handheld device 201 rests in a base 101 and is held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 has two flexible bands 1801 attached which are integrated with a removable lens 1802. FIG. 22 shows the removable lens 1802 after being moved to the side of the handheld device 201.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-section front view with of a removable lens with integrated flexible bands after being moved under the handheld device. A handheld device 201 rests in a base 101 and is held in place with a bezel ring 102. The bezel ring 102 has two flexible bands 1801 attached which are integrated with a removable lens 1802. FIG. 23 shows the removable lens 1802 after being moved under the handheld device 201.

While these present invention has been described herein with reference to an embodiment and various alternatives thereto, it should be apparent that the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Rather, many variations would be apparent to persons of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined herein and in the claims. 

1. A protective secondary enclosure apparatus with modular face protective options for handheld devices, which comprises: an enclosure base capable of holding a handheld device and attaching to a bezel ring; a bezel ring capable of attaching to an enclosure base, holding a handheld device in place, and capable of attaching to a modular face.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a strap lanyard.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a belt clip.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 further including a belt clip.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a modular face comprised of a lens and a hinge, wherein the lens forms a folding flap and is attached to the hinge, the hinge being attached to the bezel ring.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 further including a strap lanyard.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 further including a belt clip.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 further including a belt clip.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a modular face comprised of a removable lens, wherein the lens is held in place with the bezel ring.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a strap lanyard.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a belt clip.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 further including a belt clip.
 13. A protective secondary enclosure apparatus with modular face protective options for handheld devices, which comprises: an enclosure base capable of holding a handheld device and attaching to a bezel ring; a bezel ring capable of attaching to an enclosure base, holding a handheld device in place, and having an integrated modular face comprising a lens.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 further including a strap lanyard.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 further including a belt clip.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a belt clip.
 17. A protective secondary enclosure apparatus with modular face protective options for handheld devices, which comprises: an enclosure base capable of holding a handheld device and attaching to a bezel ring; a slotted bezel ring capable of attaching to an enclosure base, holding a handheld device in place, and holding a modular face comprising a lens.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 further including a strap lanyard.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 further including a belt clip.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17 further including a belt clip. 